Mayor 'disappointed' at burial site vandalism

George King
BBC News, Suffolk
Guy Campbell/BBC A close-up image of Lowestoft Mayor Nasima Begum. She is wearing glasses and a red t-shirt and is standing in front of a window. She is smiling into the camera.Guy Campbell/BBC
Lowestoft mayor Nasima Begum says her thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those buried at the site

A mayor said a spate of vandalism at a burial ground was "disappointing", as police prepared to step up patrols at the site.

Suffolk Police is investigating the attacks in which a group of youths uprooted trees and damaged stakes at Gunton Woodland Burial Park, in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The site, run by an independent, non-profit-making charity, is said to have been targeted during the afternoon of 15 April and overnight on 19-20 and 26-27 April.

Lowestoft mayor Nasima Begum said it was "disappointing to hear" of the attacks, adding: "My thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the people who are remembered in the memorial park and are affected by the spate of vandalism."

A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: "These mindless actions show a complete lack of respect and are very upsetting."

The force said it was "stepping up patrols" in the area over the Bank Holiday weekend, and asked members of the public to report anti-social behaviour so that "effective action" could be taken.

Begum said she echoed the force's appeal for information.

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